The 12-digit product barcode commonly used in the retail systems of the United States and Canada. To enter North American offline channels and general e-commerce, UPC/GTIN is the common language of product identity.
The example number is generated in real time according to the standard (including mod10 check digit). The actual number is assigned by the coding association.
UPC-A is the 12-digit product barcode commonly used in the North American market, composed ofGS1 USSystem allocation. UPC-A can be regarded as a special case of EAN-13 (adding a leading 0 makes it 13 digits), and scanning devices are compatible in both directions.
Warehousing, POS settlement and replenishment systems of North American retailers
GTIN verification when publishing products on platforms; codes must come from official GS1 allocation
Corresponding management of outer carton labeling (ITF-14) and inner UPC
Each segment of the 12 digits of UPC-A has a clear meaning.
| Composition | Number of digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Number system character | 1 digit | Identifies the encoding category (0 for regular products) |
| GS1 Company Prefix | Assigned by GS1 US | Unique enterprise identifier; number of digits depends on allocation rules |
| Product item code | Assigned by the enterprise | One per product item (SKU) |
| Check digit | 1 digit | Calculated using the mod10 algorithm, used for machine-readable verification |
The first digit is the number system character, and the last digit is the mod10 check digit.
Adding a leading 0 to UPC-A makes it EAN-13; channels outside North America can usually use it directly.
Can be verified instantly with the tool on this site.
A barcode is not something that is done once and then finished — when company information changes, when the right to use the codes needs to be maintained, or when the business is transferred, the corresponding procedures must be handled.
Target market (local only / including export), product category, estimated SKU quantity
Prepare according to the registration documents of the location of the applying entity; see the checklist on the right
Submit the application to the GS1 member organization and wait for the company prefix to be assigned
After obtaining the code range, assign a unique number to each product item
The following situations require a change:
A change certificate issued by the local registration authority must be provided
The company prefix remains unchanged; only the enterprise information in the system is updated
Already printed packaging can usually continue to be used, with no need to reprint the barcode graphic
Member organizations differ in how they maintain code usage rights (annual membership fee system or validity period renewal system), subject to the current policy of that member organization. If not maintained on time, the code may be suspended or reclaimed, and the normal circulation of goods in channels will be affected.
Customers who have already processed through Bangma International can register for expiry reminders free of charge.
During mergers and acquisitions, brand transfers, or business restructuring, the company prefix can be transferred as an asset together with the business. The transfer requires a joint application by both parties and completion of changes to entity information and ownership.
The total fee usually includes: the barcode service fee charged by the member organization (based on tier and number of years) + agency service fee. Factors affecting the fee:
Once all documents are complete, the review and allocation process begins; timelines vary by country
No new code allocation is involved, so the process is relatively simple
Involves ownership confirmation; the timeline depends on how prepared both parties' materials are
The above is a description of the process sequence and does not fabricate specific numbers of days. The actual timeline is subject to the accepting organization's current announcements and processing progress, and we will keep you updated at every stage during the process.
